Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health announced last week that I will be their exclusive health care partner! So, what exactly does that exciting news mean? And will the Fountain Avenue Kitchen as we know it fundamentally change? Below, I answer those question and more. (Happily, the short answer on the second question is no.) As always, your feedback in terms of desired content is important, and I invite you to weigh in!
If you happen to be on Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health‘s email list, you may have read the news.
Last week, the health system announced that I will be their exclusive health care partner. This means that I will be bringing favorite recipes and tips to their community as a featured contributor.
Interestingly enough, this endeavor has roots in a conversation that took place over a year ago about “food as medicine” and the value in approaching health from a wellness, not a sickness, perspective.
Though our backgrounds (and certainly our day jobs!) are very different, we shared a mutual connection in this regard.
As I listened and learned about the hospitals many health and wellness initiatives, they listened to the things that mattered to me, like the “everything in moderation” concept, giving my readers choices, and how simple recipes have the power to get a family around the dinner table at the end of a long day.
Food is linked to so many health initiatives. People who suffer from hypertension or high cholesterol may readily come to mind. But there are also questions that arise during pregnancy, when navigating what to feed a picky toddler, and how the diet culture affects body image.
And speaking of the diet culture, is there merit to the keto/Whole 30/paleo/Mediterranean/vegan/intermittent fasting, etc., etc. diet? Or should I count carbs, calories, fat, and protein?
So often we hear that something we thought was good for us really isn’t, or vice-versa. Is soy good or bad? What about gluten? Red meat? Eggs? The list goes on and on.
Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’re curious as to what the dietitians eat. Maybe the doctors, too?
There are countless subjects we could potentially explore, and as always, good recipes will be the foundation. Of course, I absolutely welcome input from my readers. What are your questions and concerns? What would you like to see more of?
For starters, I will be sharing several recipes each month that will live on the Health Hub. Some will be new, some will be old favorites, and most will include a video and helpful hints. One of the Penn Medicine’s registered dietitians will supply relevant health tips along with the nutritional stats for those who need them.
Our initial plan included regular in-person events, although those are on hold in light of the current pandemic. We have a few other exciting ideas up our sleeves, which we hope to roll out over time and as life returns to some semblance of normal.
The most exciting thing about this new endeavor is that it will not mean less of the recipes and tips you are accustomed to receiving. It will mean more resources to shore up that content and fun additions like the videos.
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I like to have fun and keep things real
So, it’s full disclosure time! I’ve mentioned some of these things over the years, but I figure it’s worth repeating for new readers and as a reminder that we all have our own set of challenges, whether big or small. Having a supportive community where we can ask questions and share concerns can really help.
- I rationalize my nightly dessert (usually two generous scoops of ice cream) because I eat mostly healthy during the day…
- but my cholesterol is on the high side, so even though weight is not an issue for me, this indulgence can create a little guilt.
- However, I had to give up gluten. At this point, good alternatives exist and I can replicate most anything. Still, I rationalize that I shouldn’t have to give up something else that tastes so good.
- I’ve had six eye surgeries and thank goodness for modern medicine in that regard. I try to eat lots of dark leafy greens and colorful produce believed to support eye health, very much hoping this will help.
- I have a family history of melanoma and have become diligent about daily sunscreen. (I really like this daily face cream and full body sunscreen. They feel light, don’t sting if they get in your eyes, and my doctor recommended them because they have “the right” ingredients.)
- I used to run but a myriad of injuries forced me to find another way to get my heart beating. Last year I learned that those pains stemmed from the fact that I have degenerative disc disease (that was a shock because other body parts hurt far more than my back!), so off to physical therapy I went. I’ve stuck with a regular home routine and, happily, made big strides.
- Favorite food: too many to choose but (no surprise!), ice cream is my favorite treat by far and I really adore big hearty salads with all sorts of tastes and textures.
- Best thing I ever did in my life: raise two amazing sons!
If you have questions, comments, or requests, I welcome you to comment below or email me. As I announce this new venture, the time also seemed right to remind you how much I appreciate my loyal readers and the extraordinary support you have given me over the years. It’s comforting to know that we can be with each other through life’s ups and downs－while cooking some tasty meals!
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Congratulations on your new partnership w Penn Medicine LGH (where I did my Medical Technology/Laboratory training years ago). I love your recipes…love the simple and healthy offerings, the use of fruits and vegetables in season, and your notes attached to the recipes. Made your Blueberry Peach Pound Cake about two weeks ago! Looking forward to reading and learning more from you!
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Aicelynn, and how neat to have the PMLGH connection. I’m delighted you enjoy the recipes…and a piece of that pound cake sure would taste good right now!
Thanks, Ann for all of your recipes and helpful suggestions. I miss reading your articles in the newspaper but am excited about your new affiliation with LGH. I use to work in the Wellness Center and know that you will be a wonderful addition.
Hi Leslie, A fun small world connection! I love that you used to work in the Wellness Center and appreciate your thoughtful comment.
Congratulations on this venture! Love your recipes.
Thank you, Lois, and I’m delighted you enjoy the recipes!
Ann, I thrilled to hear of this awesome collaboration with LGH. I’ve greatly missed your weekly newspaper articles and look forward to this new opportunity to learn from you. Your recipes are delicious and your guidance is always so practical. I love how you share your passion for delicious food and good health with others, including young people. My best to you…this is exciting!
Thank you, Janice! Your kinds word make me smile. It’s been an added pleasure over the years to work with school groups from time to time, and it will be wonderful to get back to a time when I can do that again!
I have been following you since you posted your Corn & Cucumber salad with Basil and Chives in the Sunday News years ago. Anyone who has ever had it raves about it! I love your palate and all the healthy options you include. So happy to hear the good news on your collaboration with LGH Health. It seems like a win-win all around. Thank you for all you do here and Congratulations!
Hi Stephanie, We go way back! I love that you’ve stuck with that recipe (and my site!) over the years and look forward to having you along as this next adventure unfolds. Thank you very much for your comment!
Congratulations!! I love your recipes and just shared a few this weekend while visiting my mom and brother in NYC. Thank YOU for sharing your recipes with US!
Helga, You are so kind to let me know and I hope your time with family in NYC was lovely. My family so enjoys an occasional weekend trip there, and it’s something we look forward to doing again when we can!
Congratulations Ann! I am so happy to hear of this partnership, we will all benefit.
Thank you for your kind words and for being an active participant in this wonderful online forum we share. It means a lot!
Congratulations on your partnership with Lancaster General Health! Good things happen to good people. We LOVE your recipes because they are easy to understand, most ingredients I have on hand, and they just plain YUMMY! I made your pesto last week with my fresh basil so now we will try the pesto chicken for dinner tonight.
Take care and best of luck to you in your new endeavors!
Beth, Thank you for your very thoughtful note. It made my day! I’m delighted you enjoy my recipes and that you have a new one to try. I appreciate the comment as it always makes me feel like I know my readers a little better. You are a special group!
Ann, you are amazing. Your contributions to healthy living reach all ages. Your attitude toward life is uplifting. Thank you for marrying my nephew!
Aunt Eunie
YOU are amazing, Aunt Eunie, and you better believe I’m showing Jack your comment! I love it! xoxo
Congratulations on the LGH gig! Looking forward to your recipes there.
Thank you, Vicky!